Miami Heat guard Norman Powell will compete in the 2026 NBA Three-Point Contest scheduled for February 14. This marks Powell’s second straight year participating in the event, following his debut last season while with the Los Angeles Clippers. The 2026 contest offers Powell an opportunity to improve on his previous performance and showcase his sharpshooting skills on a big stage.
Powell earned his first NBA All-Star selection this season, highlighting his progress and consistent play. His inclusion in the Three-Point Contest reflects his strong reputation as one of the league’s notable shooters.
Powell’s Previous Contest Experience and Ambitions
During the 2025 Three-Point Contest, Powell did not advance beyond the first round but valued the experience. Reflecting on that moment, he said,
“It was fun, I definitely enjoyed every minute, every second of it,”
Powell told Fanatics last year.
“Just being in the moment and enjoying it. Having a good time.”
Now, a year later, Powell is motivated to make a deeper run and potentially claim the title. Winning the event would also continue the Heat’s strong legacy in the competition, which already boasts the most all-time winners with five players including Glen Rice, Jason Kapono, Daequan Cook, James Jones, and most recently, Tyler Herro.
In fact, Heat guard Tyler Herro captured the 2025 title by defeating Buddy Hield of the Atlanta Hawks with a 24/40 score, raising expectations for Powell to keep the title within the Miami franchise.
Miami Heat’s Broader Representation During All-Star Weekend
Norman Powell will not be Miami’s only representative in the All-Star festivities. Forward Keshad Johnson has been named as a participant in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Competition, showcasing the team’s diverse talent.
Powell confirmed the significance of his All-Star selection, saying,
“Just a milestone that I accomplished that I set out as a kid. I always wanted to be at that stage. I think it’s a testament of my hard work, my commitment to the game, my continued belief in myself at the level of player that I can be and continue to strive to be. So it’s definitely a great accomplishment for me, personally.”
– Norman Powell, Miami Heat Guard
After being traded to Miami during the offseason, Powell set making the All-Star team as a key goal. Many thought he was overlooked last season despite averaging 21.8 points per game. This season, Powell’s scoring average has increased to 23 points, alongside 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, a performance hard to ignore for repeated exclusion.
Meanwhile, Keshad Johnson, now in his second year, is averaging 3.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.1 assists in 21 appearances, and will take part in the Slam Dunk Contest, adding to Miami’s All-Star weekend presence.
Other Competitors Joining Norman Powell in the Three-Point Contest
The 2026 Three-Point Contest will feature eight shooters, including familiar names and newcomers eager to make their mark. Here is the lineup of confirmed participants:
- Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker
- Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel
- Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard
- Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey
- Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell
- Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray
- Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr.
- Miami Heat guard Norman Powell
Among them, Booker, Lillard, Mitchell, and Powell have previously competed in similar contests. Meanwhile, Knueppel, Maxey, Murray, and Portis Jr. will be making their first appearances, with Knueppel and Murray viewed as strong contenders to win.
Implications for Powell and the Miami Heat
Norman Powell’s return to the NBA Three-Point Contest illustrates Miami Heat’s growing impact on All-Star Weekend events. Should Powell succeed, it would signal back-to-back victories for the Heat in this competition, reinforcing the franchise’s reputation for producing champion shooters. Additionally, Powell’s All-Star selection underscores his rising stature and reflects his determination and hard work paying off.
Looking ahead, Powell’s performance in the contest may set the tone for the remainder of the 2026 season and contribute momentum toward his continued development as a top NBA player. The Heat’s strong showing during All-Star Weekend also serves to energize fans and highlight the depth of the team’s talented roster.
